E-flex vehicle-to-grid project ramps up with Gnewt partnership

E-Flex, run by a consortium including Cisco, Cenex, Nuvve and Imperial College London among others, is exploring the commercial viability of V2G technology in both London and Plymouth.

Gnewt operates a fleet of 70 electric vehicles in central London out of two main depots in East London, with a collective total of 60 EV smart chargers.

As the delivery company's fleet continues to expand, it is looking for a scalable solution to enable it to manage the high demand for electricity at peak time.

Bidirectional chargers are to be installed at Gnewt’s main depot. Its fleet can then charge at times of low demand and release electricity back into the grid during times of high demand.

The technology is set to help Gnewt to manage the provision of electricity across the fleet more proactively, charging at low-demand in preparation for peak times.

Sam Clarke, founder and head of business development at Gnewt, said: “While EVs are critical for a cleaner future, the intense use of the national grid is something we’re looking to reduce our role in. Through E-Flex, we’re able to sustainably carry on with our day-to-day operations, with charging our fleet becoming a less energy dependent exchange especially at peak times.”

The E-Flex project spawned in London, where it is working with the The Greater London Authority and Transport for London to help meet its aim of testing 200 electric vehicles.

It since expanded to Plymouth, partnering Plymouth City Council to test its fleet of six Nissan Leafs.

Maria Hernandez, head of innovation at Cisco UK and Ireland, said reducing carbon emissions has never been of higher priority for businesses.

“From a commercial standpoint, V2G technology can transform the way urban logistics are powered and is a win-win for fleets and distributors. Reaching carbon neutrality is vital for many organisations, but additionally, E-Flex hopes to prove to businesses the commercial viability of a V2G infrastructure, helping to get the most out of fleets across the country,” she continued.